Arsenal won't rush Jack Wilshere back

Manager Arsene Wenger knows Arsenal must be satisfied Jack Wilshere is completely ready to tackle both the physical demands of the Premier League and England's World Cup campaign before returning him to action.

Jack Wilshere won't be rushed back to finish the Premier League season or FA Cup if he is not fit, says Arsene Wenger.

Wilshere has been sidelined since suffering a hairline fracture in his foot while playing for the Three Lions in the 1-0 win over Denmark at Wembley on March 5.

The combative 22-year-old is expected to be back in contention for the last game of the Premier League campaign at Norwich and then the FA Cup final against Hull at Wembley on May 17, before attentions turn to Roy Hodgson's final plans for Brazil.

Wilshere has endured several injury setbacks since breaking into the Arsenal first team as a 16-year-old, and Wenger knows both club and country have to be patient.

"I don't want to rush his fitness. If he wants to come back he needs to be fully fit, for that I believe it is very important that we don't rush him," said Wenger, whose side will look to take a firm grip on a top-four finish with victory over Newcastle on Monday night.

"We want to do the basic work on his stamina so he can support the demands of the Premier League and the World Cup.

"This time we will take the needed time to build the basic fitness up on a very strong level."

Wenger feels at the moment there should be no concerns over Wilshere's availability with England.

"I have spoken to Roy about that and Roy looks to be very keen to take him," the Arsenal boss said.

"I just reassured him that normally he would be fit if we don't have any setbacks with him."